These Sparse Christmas Trees Are Perfect for Small Spaces

Photo credit: @em_henderson - Instagram
Photo credit: @em_henderson - Instagram

Somewhere between slightly sad Charlie Brown Christmas trees and gorgeously plump pines lies a perfectly sleek tree category: sparse trees. Typically, a sparse plant isn't necessarily a good thing. In the last few years, though, designers have been loving the clean look the trees offer.

Take it from designer Emily Henderson who made the 7-inch unlit artificial balsam fir Christmas tree from Target in her Portland house look effortlessly chic, using a combination of gorgeous black and white ornaments with a touch of red and gold.

Similarly, Bri Moysa of Emerson Grey Designs took an IKEA tree and made it look much more expensive by adding in natural elements and simple ornaments. The tree is just full enough to maintain a prominent shape but not too full that it's overwhelming to look at.

A sparse tree works especially well if you don't have the space in your home to display a massive tree or you're looking for something new and different. Whether your style leans farmhouse chic or modern, a sparse tree can be dressed up for any aesthetic in a formal or more casual setting.

When selecting a sparse tree, consider an artificial one for a reliable look. Many come pre-lit, so you don't have to worry about wrapping Christmas lights tightly around the tree's delicate branches. Not to mention, you can reuse faux trees season after season.

If you want to go with a real tree or aren't interested in using Christmas string lights this season, swap the lighting out for other easy accents. Here, lifestyle blogger Julie Blanner dressed a skinny tree in garland for a dainty, festive look.

Photo credit: Julie Blanner
Photo credit: Julie Blanner

For a more dramatic effect, consider incorporating larger accents (that won't weigh down the tree, of course!). Here, Blanner added pale pink glass ornaments to the same tree to put the focus on the decorations instead of the nimble tree.

Photo credit: JULIE BLANNER
Photo credit: JULIE BLANNER

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